Decorative Cake Shield and Candle Support

ABSTRACT

Provided is a cake shield for placement above a cake surface. The cake shield includes a plate and at least one pair of telescopic legs attached thereto. The plate can be constructed in various adaptations to accommodate different styles of cake. The plate may have a number of flexible insertion holes that hold candles. The holes open and close with candle insertion and removal, respectively, allowing for placement of candles along the plate surface and removal without compromising the continuity of the plate. Alternatively, the plate may be adapted for clipping on an interchangeable decorative surface having insertion holes. The telescopic legs can adjust the height of the cake shield, which allows for placement of the device on cakes with varying shape and dimension. The legs can be retracted and folded for storage between uses. After use, the cake shield can be washed in a dishwasher.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. U.S. 61/792,014 filed on Mar. 15, 2013. The above identified patent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety to provide continuity of disclosure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cake shield. More specifically, the present invention describes a cake shield comprising a plate that is supported by a pair of telescopic legs that can be mounted onto a top of a cake. The plate may include a number of flexible insertion holes for placing birthday candles thereon. Alternatively, the plate may be adapted for clipping on a decorative top cover that include a number of flexible insertion holes. The plate provides a barrier that inhibits the direct contact of expelled air and saliva from a user blowing out birthday cake candles, while preserving the celebratory tradition thereof.

Birthday parties often include a birthday cake with candles placed on top that are blown out by the individual celebrating his or her birthday. The act of blowing out birthday candles requires an individual to forcefully expel air from his or her mouth in order to extinguish the candle flame. The expelling of air allows germs and saliva to make direct contact with the cake, which causes contamination thereof. As the cake is consumed, the germs contained thereon are ingested, which can lead to the spreading of bacteria, viruses, and a variety of illnesses.

The present invention relates to a new and improved cake shield. The device comprises a transparent or colorfully designed plate that may include a number of flexible insertion holes. The insertion holes open and close with candle insertion and removal for placing birthday candles thereon. The device further includes telescopic legs for adjusting the height of the plate, which allows for placement on cakes with varying shape and dimension. The cake shield provides a barrier that inhibits the direct contact of expelled air and saliva, while preserving the celebratory tradition of blowing out birthday candles. This prevents the spread of germs and lessens the probability that individuals will become ill after eating birthday cake. The plate acts as a reservoir to collect melted wax from the candles. This preserves the cake decorations for later consumption. The device can be washed by hand in a sink. The device is also dishwasher safe, where it can withstand heat and water pressure in a dishwasher.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to a cake shield or candle holders. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications. However, the prior art fails to disclose a device having a decorative cake shield with insertion holes and retractable legs, which improves the versatility of the device. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

These prior art devices have several known drawbacks. For example, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/430,153 to Langsam describes a disposable cake shield made of plastic or paperboard. Unlike the present invention, the Langsam device does not physically support the individual candles and thus it need not be as sturdy. Rather, the Langsam device contemplates that the candles be punctured through an opening in the thin plastic shield, which could expose a part of the cake surface through the plastic. Then, the candles, after being extinguished can be pulled out of the cake and out through the same opening on the shield. While providing some barrier between the cake and the user, the Langsam device is limited to a single use wherein the tear in the plastic shield cannot be mended for future use. The present invention provides flexible material in the insertion holes that allow the user to insert and remove candles over repeated use. The Langsam device further is limited to a fixed height. The present invention provides telescopic legs that allow users to adjust the height of the cake shield.

Similarly, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/052,762 to Okros describes a germ protective cake cover. The cake cover comprises of an upper portion with a predetermined number of recessed holes for candles, and a bottom piece that attaches to the upper portion. The Okros device is adapted to be cake protector rather than a shield. As such, the purpose and design of the Okros device differs from the present invention. While providing a complete barrier between the cake and the user, the Okros device is not desirable because it is large and bulky. Contrastingly, the present invention is a simple shield of a preferred shape, and it is easy to store when not in use. Additionally, the Okros device does not disclose the flexible material in the recessed holes for candles, which allows the user to secure candles in place without an additional surface supporting the candles from therebelow.

Like the Okros device, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/009,074 to Tropeano describes a sanitary birthday cake cover, a plurality of candles, and a serving tray. The top surface of the Tropeano device has a plurality of star shaped indentations recessed therein, each one indentation having a bottom surface and at least one upwardly extending infinitely circular wall. The candles adapted for use with the Tropeano device have a substantially cylindrical top portion and a substantially star-shaped bottom portion. Unlike the present invention, the Tropeano device is large and bulky. Additionally, the Tropeano device is limited to use with the candles having a substantially cylindrical top portion and a star-shaped bottom portion. While the star-shaped bottom portion secures the candles into place on the Tropeano device, the present invention provides insertion holes for any conventional birthday candles and larger ornamental candles. The flexible material inside the insertion holes fit snugly around the candles upon insertion, securing them in place.

U.S. Pat. No. 2,811,030 to Tannahill describes a candle holder for a cake. The Tannahill device includes a plurality of concentrically arranged rings adapted for holding candles. Unlike the present invention, the Tannahill device was intended for holding candles and does not address the issue of providing a protective barrier above a cake surface. As such, the Tannahill device does not inhibit the direct contact of expelled air and saliva, particularly from those attempting to blow out candles. The present invention provides a shield between the top of the cake surface and the flexibility of securing candles in the candle insertion holes. Thus, applications of the Tannahill device will not be desirable for providing a protective cover for a cake.

The present invention relates to a decorative cake shield to provide a protective barrier for a user who is blowing out candles for a birthday or a special occasion. The cake shield comprises a plate, retractable telescopic legs, and holes for inserting candles. The insides of the holes comprise flexible material that stretch to fit snugly around a candle. The retractable telescopic legs are hinged to the bottom surface of the plate. The legs are telescopic to adjust the height of the plate, and retractable to fold inwards parallel to the plate when it is being stored. Additionally, the plate may be adapted for clipping on a decorative cover on top. The decorative cover takes the shape of the plate and comprises insertion holes for candles that align with the holes on the plate. The present invention will greatly assist in preventing transmission of germs by providing a protective barrier, while allowing users to display a decorative theme and affix candles. It is therefore submitted that the present invention substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing cake shield devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of cake shield devices now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new improvement to cake shields wherein the same can be utilized for providing a barrier that inhibits the direct contact of expelled air and saliva, while preserving the celebratory tradition of blowing out birthday candles.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved cake shield device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cake shield device that has a plate to create a barrier between a user and a cake surface.

Another object of the present invention to provide a cake shield device that has insertion holes that holds candles in an upright position and acts as a reservoir to collect melted wax from the candles.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a cake shield device with telescopic legs that adjusts the height of the shield to a desired position, which allows for placement on cakes with varying shape and dimension.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cake shield device with multiple embodiments that can accommodate different styles of cake.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cake shield device adapted for use with various decorative covers having insertion holes.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cake shield device with retractable legs that can be folded inwards for storage between uses.

A final object of the present invention is to provide a cake shield device that can be cleaned by hand or by a dishwasher after each use.

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS

Although the characteristic features of this invention will be particularly pointed out in the claims, the invention itself and manner in which it may be made and used may be better understood after a review of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein like numeral annotations are provided throughout.

FIG. 1 is a top view of an embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 2 is a top view of another embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 3 is a top view of yet another embodiment of the present invention in use.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the present invention in use elevated above a cake.

FIG. 5A shows a conventional birthday candle being inserted through a flexible material in a candle insertion hole.

FIG. 5B shows a conventional birthday candle being inserted through another embodiment of a flexible material in a candle insertion hole.

FIG. 5C shows another embodiment the present invention having a flexible material layer over the upper surface of a plate, and small gasket-like apertures aligned with insertion holes where the candles are inserted therein.

FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the present invention having insertion holes for conventional birthday candles with a view of the legs in both telescopic and retracting angles.

FIG. 7 shows another embodiment of the present invention having insertion holes for ornamental candles with a view of the legs in both telescopic and retracting angles.

FIG. 8 shows a decorative cover adapted to clip onto the upper surface of the plate, in which the decorative cover includes insertion holes for conventional birthday candles.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a decorative cover adapted to clip onto the upper surface of the plate, in which the decorative cover includes insertion holes for conventional birthday candles and ornamental candles.

FIG. 10 shows a decorative cover clipping onto the upper surface of the plate such that the insertion holes on the decorative cover is aligned with the insertion holes on the plate.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of a decorative cover clipping onto the upper surface of the plate such that the insertion holes on the decorative cover is aligned with the insertion holes on the plate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the cake shield. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for a cake shield elevated above a cake. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3, there are shown views of multiple embodiments of the cake shield of the present invention. The device comprises a plate 27 for placement slightly above a single or multi-tiered cake surface 30, and a pair of telescopic legs 23 attached thereto. The plate 27 has a substantially flat upper surface 25 and a substantially flat lower surface 26. The plate 27 is made of durable material that can withstand heat and water pressure in a dishwasher for easy cleaning after each use. The plate 27 surface can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes to accommodate cakes of various shape and dimension. In FIG. 1, the plate 27 is rounded to accommodate a round birthday cake. In FIG. 2, the plate 27 is shaped like a football to accommodate a football themed cake. Finally, in FIG. 3, the plate 27 is rectangular-shaped to accommodate a rectangular cake. The plate 27 surface can be plain or it can be decorated with various designs and color to accommodate various themes or styles.

The plate 27 surface has a plurality of circular or rectangular candle insertion holes 22 adapted for inserting conventional or ornamental candles therethrough. Each insertion hole 22 comprises a gasket or flaps made of a rubber-like, flexible material 28 along the interior perimeter thereof. The flexible material 28 expands as a candle 31 is inserted therethrough for a snug fit, and holds the candle 31 in an upright position. When a candle 31 is removed an insertion hole 22 is vacant, the flexible material 28 returns to its original state and keeps the insertion hole 22 substantially closed. The flexible material 28 prevents saliva or debris from passing through the insertion holes 22 and onto the cake through the vacant holes 22. The secure support of the candles at their base also acts as a means to collect melted wax that trickles downward therefrom, preventing wax from dripping onto the cake surface 30 itself.

The telescopic legs 23 of the cake shield are attached to the lower surface 26 via hinges 24. The hinges 24 allow the telescopic legs 23 to rotate such that they can fold in toward the center of the plate 27 and lie parallel to the plate 27 when not in use. The hinges 24 also allows the telescopic legs 23 to fold outwards into a working state, whereby the legs 23 extend perpendicularly outward from the plate 27 when in use. The telescopic legs 23 may be disposed in an adjacent relationship, or alternatively the legs 23 can be positioned across from one another along the lower surface of the plate 27 for greater stability. It is also contemplated that more than two legs may be deployed on a given plate for support of the plate 27 itself and the candles 31 thereon.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a side view of the present invention in use. In operation, a user folds out the telescopic legs 23 and places the device onto a single or a multi-tiered cake. The telescopic legs 23 have a pointed tip at the ends thereof, wherein the telescopic legs 23 are adapted to partially insert into the cake 30 while the plate surface 27 of the device is elevated slightly thereabove. The user can adjust the telescopic legs 23 to a desired height above the cake surface 30. A desired number of candles 31 are inserted into the insertion holes 22 and held in place by the flexible material 28 disposed therein. Candles 31 are stable when inserted approximately one-third of the way through the insertion holes 22 and lit.

Referring now to FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C, there are shown multiple embodiments of the construction of the flexible material within the insertion holes 22 of the present invention. Each insertion hole 22 includes a rubber-like, flexible material 28 around the inner perimeter to support candles of various shapes and sizes in an upright position. The flexible material 28 has the ability to reshape itself after it has been stretched. In FIG. 5A, there is shown a flap-like embodiment of the flexible material 28 around the inside perimeter of an insertion hole 22. The flaps of this embodiment are pushed downwards as the candle 31 is pushed therethrough. When the candle 31 is removed, the flaps are pulled back up to its starting position to keep the insertion hole 22 substantially closed. In FIG. 5B, there is shown an individual gasket-like embodiment of the flexible material 28 that expand when a candle 31 is pressed therethrough. The candle 31 is squeezed through the small aperture in the flexible material 28, which expands when the candle 31 is pressed therethrough. When the candle 31 is removed, the flexible material 28 elastically returns to its original shape in order to maintain the insertion hole 22 in a substantially closed state. Finally, in FIG. 5C, there is shown a flexible material layer 28 that is coextensively disposed over the entire upper surface 25 of the plate 27, wherein gasket-like apertures are pierced through the flexible material layer 28 where a user would insert candles. The apertures expand when a candle 31 is pressed therethrough, and return to a substantially closed state after subsequent removal. When an insertion hole 22 is vacant, the flexible material 28 keeps the insertion hole 22 substantially closed and prevents saliva and other debris from passing therethrough, thus maintaining the integrity of the plate and its uniform coverage of an underlying cake surface.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, there are shown different arrangements of the insertion holes 22 disposed along the plate surface, along with a view of the telescopic legs 23 and their retracting sweep. In FIG. 6, the insertion holes 22 on the plate 27 of the present invention are round, circular holes to accommodate conventional birthday candles. The insertion holes 22 are slightly larger than the diameter of the bottom of a candle 31 so that the candle 31 can fit therethrough while the flexible material 28 supports the candle 31 firmly therein. In FIG. 7, the plate 27 comprises round and rectangular insertion holes 22. The circular insertion holes 22 are adapted for conventional birthday candles, while larger, rectangular insertion holes 22 are adapted for ornamental candles with rectangular bases, such as numeral candles. Insertion holes 22 for ornamental candles are preferably placed in the middle of the plate 27. The flexible material 28 can be placed inside the insertion holes 22 or over the entire upper surface 25 as previously disclosed. If the flexible material 28 covers the entire upper surface 25, small holes are punctured therealong at the insertion hole 22 locations. Furthermore, the larger insertion holes may include an elongated slit rather than a small aperture, thereby enabling the larger insertion holes to be maintained in a closed state until a candle is pressed therethrough.

The telescopic legs 23 of the present invention are attached by a hinge 24 to the lower surface 26 of the plate 27, which enable the telescopic legs 23 to pivot. The telescopic legs 23 support the cake shield on top of a cake such that the lower surface 26 of the plate 27 is not touching the cake surface 30. The legs 23 can extend and retract as needed to elevate the cake shield above a cake. After a user blows out the candles, the device is removed, providing access to the cake without allowing it to make direct contact therewith. This preserves the cake for later consumption. The telescopic legs 23 can also be retracted and folded in parallel to the lower surface 26 of the plate 27 for storage between uses.

Referring now to FIGS. 8 and 9, there are shown multiple embodiments of an interchangeable decorative cover 32 adapted to clip onto the top of the plate of the present invention. The decorative cover 32 can feature various designs to allow users to change the appearance of the upper surface 25 of the plate 27 based on the style and theme of the cake. The decorative cover 32 takes the shape of the plate 27. A clip 33 attached to the bottom surface of the decorative cover 32 allows users to clip on the decorative cover 32 to the top of the plate 27. FIG. 8 shows the decorative cover 32 having insertion holes 22 for conventional birthday candles. The insertion holes 22 on the decorative cover 32 also include the flexible material 28 along its inner perimeter to hold candles in an upright position as previously disclosed. FIG. 9 shows the decorative cover 32 having insertion holes 22 for conventional birthday candles and decorative candles. The insertion holes 22 on the decorative cover 32 are aligned with the insertion holes 22 on the plate 27. This allows users to insert candles through the decorative cover 32 and the plate 27. After use, the decorative cover 32 can be washed by hand or in a dishwasher.

Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, there are shown multiple embodiments of the interchangeable decorative cover 32 clipping onto the top of the plate 27. A user would slide on the decorative cover 32 to the plate 27 once they are aligned. The clip 33 would secure the decorative cover 32 in place. Aligning the decorative cover 32 and the plate 27 would automatically align the insertion holes 22 on the decorative cover 32 and the plate 27. The decorative cover 32 is easily interchangeable, allowing the user to clip on another decorative cover 32 featuring a different design and changing the appearance of the device without buying new cake shield assembly.

The present invention provides a decorative cake shield that is designed to provide a protective barrier between a user and a top surface of a cake. The cake shield can be configured to accommodate to various styles, shape, and dimensions of a cake. The device enables the user to place candles of various sizes on top of the shield. Additionally, the user can clip on a decorative cover to further change the appearance of the shield.

It is therefore submitted that the instant invention has been shown and described in what is considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments. It is recognized, however, that departures may be made within the scope of the invention and that obvious modifications will occur to a person skilled in the art. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention, to include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

I claim:
 1. A cake shield device for placement above a cake comprising: a plate having an upper and lower surface and an outer perimeter defining a shape of said plate; at least one candle insertion hole through said plate adapted for supporting candles in an upright fashion; a flexible material along an inner perimeter of said candle insertion hole; and at least one telescopic leg adapted to be inserted into a cake surface to support said plate in an elevated position above said cake surface; wherein said telescopic leg is attached to said lower surface of said plate.
 2. The cake shield device of claim 1, wherein said flexible material is coextensive with said upper plate surface, further comprising small apertures aligned with said candle insertion holes.
 3. The cake shield device of claim 1, wherein said candle insertion holes are adapted to fit conventional birthday candles or ornamental candles.
 4. The cake shield device of claim 1, wherein said outer perimeter can be constructed into various shapes and sizes to accommodate different styles of cake.
 5. The cake shield device of claim 1, wherein said telescopic legs are further rotatably connected to said lower plate surface and can be rotated between a stowed state parallel to said lower plate surface and an extended position when in use.
 6. The cake shield device of claim 1, wherein at least one telescopic leg comprises a first and second leg hinged to said lower plate surface.
 7. The cake shield device of claim 1, further comprising a decorative cover having said candle insertion holes and at least one clip, wherein said decorative cover is adapted to clip onto said plate.
 8. A cake shield device for placement above a cake comprising: a plate having an upper and lower surface and an outer perimeter defining a shape of said plate; a flexible material having at least one small aperture; wherein said flexible material is coextensive with said upper plate surface; at least one candle insertion hole through said plate adapted for supporting candles in an upright fashion; wherein said candle insertion hole is aligned with said aperture that expand when a candle is inserted therethrough and remains substantially closed when said candle insertion hole remains vacant; and at least one telescopic leg; wherein said telescopic leg is attached to said lower plate surface.
 9. The cake shield device of claim 8, wherein said candle insertion holes are adapted to fit conventional birthday candles or ornamental candles.
 10. The cake shield device of claim 8, wherein said outer perimeter can be constructed into various shapes and sizes to accommodate different styles of cake.
 11. The cake shield device of claim 8, wherein said telescopic legs are further rotatably connected to said lower plate surface and can be rotated between a stowed state parallel to said lower plate surface and an extended position when in use.
 12. The cake shield device of claim 8, wherein at least one telescopic leg comprises a first and second leg hinged to said lower plate surface.
 13. The cake shield device of claim 8, further comprising a decorative cover having said candle insertion holes and at least one clip, wherein said decorative cover is adapted to clip onto said plate.
 14. A cake shield device for placement above a cake comprising: a plate having an upper and lower surface and an outer perimeter defining a shape of said plate; at least one candle insertion hole through said plate adapted for supporting candles in an upright fashion; wherein said candle insertion hole further comprises a flexible material along an interior perimeter of said candle insertion holes; a decorative cover having an upper and lower surface, an outer perimeter defining a shape substantially similar to said plate shape, at least one candle insertion hole, and at least one clip adapted to clip said decorative cover to said plate; and at least one telescopic leg; wherein said telescopic legs are attached to said lower plate surface.
 15. The cake shield device of claim 14, wherein said candle insertion holes are adapted to fit conventional birthday candles or ornamental candles.
 16. The cake shield device of claim 14, wherein said outer perimeter can be constructed into various shapes and sizes to accommodate different styles of cake.
 17. The cake shield device of claim 14, wherein said telescopic legs are further rotatably connected to said lower plate surface and can be rotated between a stowed state parallel to said lower plate surface and an extended position when in use.
 18. The cake shield device of claim 14, wherein at least one telescopic leg comprises a first and second leg hinged to said lower plate surface. 